Push-button control for elevator and dumb-waiter systems.



E. L. DUNN. .PUSH BUTTON CONTROL FOR ELEVATOR AND DUMB WAITER SYSTEMS.

APPLICATION FILED 113.14, 1908. 987,446. Patented Mar. 21, 1911.

4 SHEETSSHEBT l.

E. L. DUNN. PUSH BUTTON CONTROL FOR ELEVATOR AND DUMB WAITER SYSTEMS.

APPLICATION FILED FEB.14, 1908.

Patented Mar.21, 1911.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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,lfiu m ('00: -Zl: DQ/Z/t 9 @96/116 5 E. L. DUNN.

PUSH BUTTON CONTROL FOR ELEVATOR AND DUMB WAITER SYSTEMS.

APPLICATION FILED FEB.14, 1908.

Patented Mar. 21, 1911.

4 SHEETSSHEET 3.

17 da/atav WIwSSeS E. L. DUNN. PUSH BUTTON CONTROL FOE ELEVATOR AND DUMB WAITER SYSTEMS.

PPLICATION FILED IEB.14, 1908.

Patented Mar. 21, 1911.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDWARD L. DUNN, OF WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS.

PUSH-BUTTON CONTROL FOR ELEVATOR AND DUMB-WAITER SYSTEMS.

To all whom itmoy concem:

Be it known that I, EDVARI) L. DUNN, a citizen of the United States, residing at lVorcester, in the county of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Push-Button Control for Elevator and Dumb-Waiter Systems, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a push-button controlling device for the purpose of controlling electric or hydraulic motors, but in tended principally for controlling electric dumb-waiters, electric elevators, and hydraulic elevators in such a way that they will be correctly and safely operated without necessitating the presence of a regular operator. Heretoforc push-button controlling devices for these purposes have generally involved the use of an oscillating floor indicator having several selective features necessitating the use of a separate magnetic switch for each floor at which the car can stop. These magnetic switches have been used in addition to the regular operating magnets required to operate the main switch, brake, slow-speed switch, rheostat, and other devices taking part in the regular operation of the machine. It has been necessary, therefore, that the turning indicator be of large size, especially in systems installed in tall buildings where there must be a large number of these separate magnetic switches. These indicators also generally have had control of a large number of operations of the car, and they have necessarily been complicated in several ways.

The chief object of the present invention is to eliminate many of the complications of such systems, and to accomplish in a simple and reliable manner, results the same, or superior to, those which heretofore have been accomplished by complicated mechanism and large numbers of electromagnets. This is done according to the present invention chiefly by the use of anew device which I call-a commutator, which, without necessitating any such complicated mechanism and electric connections, takes most of the duty of the indicator, thus per- 50 mitting a great simplification thereof and Specification of Letters Patent. Patented Mar, 21, 1911 Application filed February 14, 1908.

Serial No. 415.801.

I especially a mostmaterial reduction in its size. This commutator is provided with a contact maker constructed to shift its position in response to the operation of any of the push-buttons to determine the direction in which the car shall start, and at the same time predetermine where the car will stop. By the use of such a contact maker involving most of the selective features of the system, the sending of a current after the first im ulse through the direction rings of the in icat-or, or whatever is used in place of the direction rings, is avoided. Aside from the starting current, which passes through the indicator direction rings, the indicator performs no function except to close a shunt circuit which causes the machine to stop. Also in the preferred form of the invention the contact maker always returns to normal position and starts from this position every time a button is pushed, so that there can be no difliculty on account of the element which controls the direction of the operation of, the machine, being out of place with respect to the car itself.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings which show certain forms of the invention, and in which-;

Figure 1 is a wiring diagram or diagramwith a gravity contact maker for an electric dumb-waiter machine of the drum type. Fig. 2 is a' front view of the gravity contact maker partly in section to show interior construction. Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the same on the line 3-'3 of Fig. 2, showing the cross heador contact maker in plan. Fig. 4 is a sectional view on the line 44 of Fig. 2, showing the interior construction of a clutch constituting part of the contact maker. Fig. 5 is an elevation of a set of push-buttons. Fig- 6 is a transverse sectional view of the same on the line 6+6 of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a sectional view on'the line 7-7 of Fig. 5 showing the circuit breaker. Fig. 8,is a plan of one form of indicator wh ch may be used with this invention. Fig. 9 is an elevation showing how the device may be used to control a hydraulic elevator, and Fig. 10 is an elevation of an matic view showing the invention as usedother form of commutator showing portions of the wiring in diagrammatic form.

A typical installation according to this invention requires at each floor a full set of push buttons, corresponding to the number of floors at which the car is to stop. Arrangement is made whereby, when a button is pushed, the car, regardless of its position in the well room, automatically starts, and stops at the floor indicated by the push button. Then a button is pushed, the controlling device (as will be explained hereinafter,) opens the push button circuit, thus rendering all push buttons inoperative until the car stops. Each door is provided with a suitable form of door switch, arranged to open and close a circuit as the door is opened and closed. This arrangement renders the machine inoperative if a door is open, or will cause the machine to stop instantly if a door is opened while the machine is in motion. When passengers are to be carried, the car is provided with a full set of push buttons, the same as those at the floors, and an additional push button for the purpose of opening the door switch circuitto stop the car if occasion should require it.- This stop push button is simply a safety feature, the same as the door switches.

The entire controlling apparatus, as shown comprises a commutator, an indicator, a main reversing switch, two auxiliary switches, two,direction solenoid switches, two test switches, line switch and fuses, and also door switches and push-buttons, which are not a part of the controller proper, but which are used in its operation.

The diagram (Fig. 1) shows not only the controlling circuits, but also the push button circuits, door switch circuits, motor circuits and brake solenoid circuits. It is therefore, complete in all details, the only change being necessary when used for pas senger service is that a stop button is added to the set of push buttons in the car. This stop button, when pushed, opens the door switch circuit, and has exactly the same result as, when opening a door that is it causes the car to stop instantly and ren ers it inoperative so long as the circuit is open. The diagram indicates the machine at rest with the car at the third floor, as shown by the position of a movable contactor V at the indicator. The commutator has a crosshead or contact maker B which is shown in the normal up position, and ready to drop by gravity when the current supply to a sole-' noid A, which operates the cross-head or contact maker is broken. The path of the current through the solenoid A can be traced as follows :Starting at the plus side of-the line switch, and through the fuse No. 1, the current path can be traced through test switch D S 1, door switches D S 3D S 4 D S 5D S 6 and D S 7, and back to test switch clip D S 2, and from this point through the down and up automatic switches to the direction switch feed binding posts B P 1 and B P 2, to test binding posts B P 5, to test switch P B 1 and up the well room push button box feed wire 2, through the circuit breaking switches in each push button box A B lA B 2A B 3-A B 4 and A B 5, back to test switch clip P B 2, through wire \V 1 and segments X 7 and X 8, through brushes of the contact maker B, through resistance and to one side of switch D, through solenoid A to magnetic clutch binding post B P 3, to fuse No. 2, and negative side of line switch. From this circuit it can be seen that a current is passing through resistance and solenoid A, and that this solenoid could be deenergized by opening either one of the test switches P B 1 or D S1, or by opening any one of the door switches D S 3,D S 4, etc., or by opening any one of the circuit breakers A B 1-A B 2, etc., in the push boxes, or by opening either automatic. In such a case the contact maker B would drop as will be explained hereinafter. Therefore, by pushing any button or other equivalent device for closing the circuit, this circuit is opened and another circuit made from the push button as follows: Assuming that any one of the No. 4 push buttons is pushed, the result would be, 1st, the push button wire 4 would be connected to the push button feed wire W 2. On account of the construction of the push-buttons which will be described hereinafter a continued movement of the push button opens the circuit breaking switch A B, thus breaking the solenoid A circuit, and causing contact maker B to fall. By following the wire W 4, which is now alive, through the push button contact, it will be seen that this, wire W 4, leads to a commutatorsegment S 4, and that the moving contact maker B, connects the two segments S 4S 4, of the double row S 1,

.S '2, S 3. S 4 and S 5, thus a new circuit is made which can be traced from the plus side of the line, through No. 1, fuse, through test switch D S 1, door switches D S 3-D S' 4D S 5D S 6D S 7 through the up and down automatics, throu h test switch P B 1, through push button Feed wire W 2. through live side of ash button circuit breaking switch A B, t rough push button No. 4, through'push button wire No. W 4. to commutator segment S 4S 4, through wire No. W. 5, to movable direction ring contact No. 4, through direction ring to contact No.1] 1, through wire No. W 6, to up direction solenoid, through this to magnetic clutch binding post No. B P 4, through a magnetic clutch magnet C, through No. W 15 and fuse No. 2, to the negative side of the line. From this circuit it can be seen that the contact maker B has dropped to the position, S at S 41, that the magnetic clutch has received a circuit, and acted, holding the contact makerB firmly in this position. It can be seen further that the up direction solenoid switch is in series circuit with the magnetic clutch C, the office of which is to stop the fall of the contact maker B, and hold it locked in proper position while the unachine is'running, and as a consequence, the up direction solenoid switch has closed. As the push button circuit. is normally released instantly, the retaining circuit line will now be traced, from positive side of line, through No. 1 fuse, through door switches D S 3-D S 4D S 5D S 6- D S 7, through the up and down automatics, to direction solenoid binding post No. B P 1, through wire No. \V 7, through the switch contacts No. X 1X 2, through the up direction solenoid to B P 4:, through magnetic clutch C to fuse No. 2, and negative side of line. Thus it can be seen that the closed switch X 1X 2, is supplying the feed and that a new circuit can be traced from this. point, that is, B P 1, through wire No. WV 7, through contact X 2, through wire No.11 S, ,to the up main switch solenoid, and from there through No. 3 fuse to negative side of line. The up main switch solenoid is-now energized, and has closed the upside of the main reversing switch. The motor circuits are, therefore, ahve, causing the motor to run the car up to the floor indicated by the push button, that is to say, the fourth floor. The motor circuits are not described, as they can easily be followed by any person familiar with motor circuits, There is one -circuit,however, passing through the main switch to binding post M, which will be explained presently.

The up main switch solenoid, when operating. not only operates the main reversing switch, but also operates the'up auxiliary switch. with the result that the contacts X 9X 10 shown bridged in the diagram (Fig. 1) are now open circuited, and the contacts X 11-X 12 are bridged. The auxiliary switches may be operated in any desired way, as for example, in accordance with the principle set forth in my co-pending appl cation on an elevator operating system, Serial-No. 324,384, filed July 2,

1906. It will now be explained why the push button circuits 'areinoperative, and other functions performed by the auxiliary switch will be referred to later. plained above, while the contact maker B is in the up position, the'machine. is at rest, the make and break switch D, which regulates the current supply to the solenoid A, is held open by a plunger E (Fig. 2) that is, raised by the contact maker, and the solenoid A is being fed through the contact maker brushes by means of the" contacts X 7X 8, but now the machine isrunning As ex-- the car up, and the commutator contactinaker B is locked in a midway position'at S 4-S 4. Consequently the segments X '7-X 8 are open circuited, and the switch Dis closed. There is no circuit through the switch 1) at this time, because this circuit is now open at the auxiliary switch contacts X 9X 10, and therefore, there is nocurrent passing through the push button circuit breakers A B 1AB 2, etc., and incidcntally there is no current passing through the direction ring or contacts S 4-S 4, as the current passing through was simply a starting circuit, and as explained above, the direction solenoid, when operating, formed a retaining circuit after the starting circuit passed. Therefore, if the push button No. 4' were pushed at this time, it would mean simply that another path would be closed from the push button, through the direction ring to the up direction solenoid, and the onl effect would be that the solenoid would in such a case, have two sources of current supply. On the other' hand, all other push button wires terminate in open contacts at the commutator segments S l-S 2S 3 and S 5. By this it can be seen that the push button circuits .are all ineffective while the machine'is in motion; A

All circuits necessary to the starting and running of the machine have been described, and the 'way in which the machine stops,

. and the controller comes to its normal position at rest, will now be described.

It is understood [that the solenoid A is deenergized, that the cross-head or contact maker B is locked in position at S 4-S 4. that the up main switch solenoid is ener gized, that the up main switch isclosed, that the up direction solenoid is in series circuit with the magnetic clutch magnet C, and that the contactor V is moving in the up direction, approaching the proper floor stop contact F 4, of the series F-F 2-F 3-F 4 and F 5. As the movable contact point V 2 touches the floor stop roller F 4, the contact point V2 is depressed, thus makin an electrical circuit which stops the machine. The method of making this contact and regulating its duration is not described herein as it forms no part ofthe present invention, having been described and claimed in my co-pcnding a plication for patent Serial No. 324,384 filed July 2, 1906. This stop circuit can be traced as follows :Starting at the positive side of the line switch, through wire W 9, to main switch binding post M 1, through wire W 10, through the upper and lower carbons X 6-X 6 (which :are now in contact) through wire W 11, to

to the double row of segments S 1, etc., to floor stop F t, through contactor V, to shunt ring V 3, through wire W 13, through magnetic clutch C to fuse No. 2, and negative side of line. Thus it can be seen that a shunt circuit has been formed around the up direction switch solenoid, deenergizing it, and causing its switch contacts X 1X 2,

to open. As all controlling circuits, except the above described shunt, are passing through this switch X 1X 2 they are broken by the opening of the switch, and the main reversing switch, when opening, breaks the shunt, or stop circuit passing through wire W 12, which causes the machine to stop. As the contacts X 9X 10 at the up auxiliary switch are again bridged, the circuit now-passes through the door switches "and auxiliary switch contacts X 9X 10-X 13X 14 and switch D, directly into the solenoid A to fuse No. 2, and the negative side of the line. As there is no resistance in series with the solenoid A at this time, it operates at full strength until near the completion of its stroke when the switch D is opened, breaking the circuit which was passing around the resistance, but as the segments X 7-X 8 are now bridged by the brushes of the contact maker B, the current from this source passes through the resistance and through the solenoid A as described in the beginning. To start the machine in a reverse direction, the N0. 2 push button circuit could be followed, through the down direction solenoid, down direction ring, downmain switch solenoid, etc., the results being identical with those described except as to direction.

There remains yet to be explained the extra limit stop circuits, made by the auxiliary switches. It is understood that the position of. the contact maker B closes one opening in a circuit, and that the moving contactor V closes the other opening, or in other words, completes the stop circuit. If, however, the contact maker B, or the contactor V, failed to complete the stop circuit, the car would continue its trip to the limit in the direction that it was traveling, and when the movable contactor V 2 engaged 'the limit floor stop F 5, for instance, the stop circuit through the up auxiliary switch would act, causing a natural stop,re of the contact maker B circuit, as Pollows: from main switch binding post M to auxiliary switch-contacts X 11X 12, through wire W 14 to the floor stop F 5, and through contactor V as before. The reverse limit circuit would pass vice versa through auxiliary switch contacts X 15X 16 to the first stop F. Opening a door while the machine is at rest would simply deenergize the solenoid A, causing the contact maker B to fall, and by closing the door again, the conardless tactmaker would resume its normal position. Pushing a button corresponding to the floor at which the car is at rest would have the same eflect, as the direction contact for that floor would be between the two directiomrings. When it is desired to run the machine inde ndently of the push button boxes, the ouble throw, single pole switch P B 1, is reversed, rendering the push buttons inoperative. Now by attaching a wire to the test binding post B P 5, the machine can be operated in a natural manner as follows :Hold the wire from test binding post B P 5 to one of the segments S 1S 2S 3S 4S 5 at which it is desired the machine should sto Next 0pen,,for an instant, either one o the test switches P B 1 or D S 1. This would cause the machine to start in the same manner as if a push button were operated, and the contact maker will remain locked, and the stop circuit will act as usual. By reversing the double throw, single pole switch D S 1 to the position D S 2 the door switch line is short circuited and the machine will operate regardless of the door switches D S 3- DS4DS5-DS6DS7.

The operation and construction of the gravity commutator will now be described, more 1n detail.

When the machine is at rest, the contact maker B is held in the u position, as has been-explained, by a weak current assing through the solenoid A. The switc D is open as shown, and the magnetic clutch C is released and free to move. When a button is ushed, the circuit passing through solenoid A is broken, and the contact maker B falls. When it reaches the segment (S 1 S 2, etc.) correspondin to the button pushed, a current is fed rom one segment to the other, through the contact maker brushes, to the magnetic clutch. The clutch acts instantly, thus holdin the contact maker locked in position. his operation has started the machine in the right direction, and at the same time, has determined where it shall stop, as one of the segments (P 1P 2, etc.) corres ondin to the button pushed, has been e ectrica ly connected to the strip F 1, as has been described. When the machine stops, the solenoid A receives its full current throu h the switch D which is now closed, an the contact maker B is lifted to its normal up position. The switch D is opened duringthe latter part of the stroke, reducing the current the minimum amount necessary to retain the plunger in the up position. When the solenoid A lifts its plunger the movement is cushioned by air compression as a ball check valve K resting in a recess K at the top of a longitudinal passage K is closed, and the air above the plunger cannot escape except around the sides .of the plunger,

which does not fit the shell L with perfect of the contact maker cross-head. When this tightness, thus the force of the blow is reduced, and the noise and ar eliminated. It is also desirable to regulate the downward motion of the contact maker, as its speed in falling would, in some instances, le too fast to check. Thisretardation is accomplished as follows: The plunger when falling tends to create a vacuum etl'ect inside the solenoid. A small screw valve G can be adjusted to allow the air to be admitted above the plunger, and the speed is accordingly regulated to suit.

The magnetic clutch C is shown in Figs. 2 and 4. It comprises a base C on which is secured a box 0 This box has an electromagnet C connected with the binding posts 13 P 3 and BF 4- In a central passage through the electromagnet is a reciprocable rod C" and a'spring C acting on a collar C on the rod to force it out. The rod is provided with a plate C which will turn on or with the rod, and on which is mounted an arm C pivotally connected with the contact maker B. The motion of the contact maker turns the plate C, but the latter is always in condition to be drawn against the box when the electromagnet is energized, to securely lock the arm C and contact maker B in position.

It has been stated that the operation of the push buttons serves two functions; first, to connect one push button wire, as W 4, with the push button feed wire, W 2, and

' second, to open the circuit breaking switch A B. This may be accomplished by the following'construction. In a push button box 0 is a base 0 1 to which push button levers O 2 are pivoted, a spring 0 3 being used tohold them up. The pushing of one of the buttons, 1, 2, 3, etc., first makes a contact with a movable rod 0 4 which is connected with the feed wire W 2 thus establishing the proper push button circuit. The further 1 depression of the button causes this rod,

which is pivotally mounted on arms 0 5, to descend and break the circuit which has been described.

The indicator, shown in full in Fig. 8 com' rises various parts known as floor stops F, F Q, F 3, F 4, F 5, automatics N, rotating contactor V, rotating direction rings D 1, stationary direction contacts and stationary shunt ring V. The contactor is a movable device which is made to revolve by means of a bicycle chain or the like. from the drum. The movement of the contactor is limited to one-half revolution to a full trip of the car, reducing gear not shown being necessary for this purpose. The floor stops are each insulated from the other, and arranged in a semi-circle around the contactor. As the machine runs the contactor engages each floor stop successively, until contact is made with the one corresponding to the position contact is made, the machine stops, as has been explained. To make this plainer it may be stated that a certain circuit must be made to stop the machine. A stop circuit is provided for each floor. These circuits each have two openings. When the machine starts, the cont-act maker cross-head, by its movement, closes one opening in one of the stop circuits, and when the moving contactor touches the corresponding floor stop, the other opening is closed and the stop circuit is complete. The automatics N are simply limit switches which are opened by the movable contactor in case the'ca-r should fail to stop at the limit.

The main reversing switch is actuated by two solenoids, labeled U and D respectively in Fig. 1. The principal function of this switch is to handle the motor circuit, but incident-ally it controls other circuits, and also operates the two auxiliary switches. The two auxiliary switches are -for the purpose of opening the push button circuit, as the machine starts, and also are used to establish limit stop circuits regardless of the position of the contact maker. For instance, when the machine is running in an up direction, the up auxiliary switch makes a circuit which causes the car to stop naturally at the top floor even if the contact maker should not be in position, and vice versa when the machine is running in a down direction,

The direction, solenoids, labeled S and S respectively, operate in response to the movement of the contact maker, and one or the other operates according to the position of the movable contactor at the indicator. These direction solenoid switches in addition to feeding the magnetic clutch also feed the main switch solenoid, and, as is shown in the wiring diagram (Fig. 1), the machine is stopped when one of the direction solenoids is denergized by making of the stop circuit, which means that it is shunted out of circuit.

The two test switches are entirely for testing purposes, and have nothing to do with the'regular operation of the machine. One of them, P B 1, when reversed, short circuits the push button'boxes, and renders them inoperative. The other short circuits the door switch circuits, and renders them inoperative. These switches are very useful to the attendant having the machine in charge, and also to the mechanic who installs the machine.

The line switch and fuses serve an obvious purpose, not necessary to mention.

The above description has been confined to an electric machine, but when the invention is applied to a hydraulic machine it is identical in every respect except that the main switch solenoids referred to are used as pilot valve solenoids. The adaptability of this device to a hydraulic machine can be readily understood when considering the fact that the two solenoids referred to as main switch solenoids are governed and i made to operate by the controlling device. The duty of these two solenoids is to control t a motor. When an electric machine is used, these solenoids control electric circuits, which i operate an electric motor as has been stated. On the other hand, when a hydraulic motor is used, the same solenoids control a pilot valve (P V Fig. 9) which governs a hydraulic motor or valve. It is simply a case of the electric motor on one hand and the hydraulic motor on the other. There are numerous ways in which a pilot valve can be made to govern a motor valve, or main valve, but they are not shown here, as they form no part of this invention.

In Fig. 9 the auxiliary switch contacts are shown reversed from their position in Fig. 1. This is because they are operated directly by the up and down solenoids in this case, but in Fig. 1, the solenoid on one side is indicated as controlling the contacts on the other as in my above mentioned application.

Certain features of the invention may be carried out in accordance with the construction shown in Fig. 10. In this case the contact maker oscillates instead of reciprocating. The operation can perhaps best be described by tracing the currents in Fig. 10. Here from the positive side of the line, the current goes through the several door switches as in the other case, and then to the push buttons. Now if any one of the push buttons as for example No. 4, is pushed the current goes through a conductor to one of a series of contacts 8. There are as many of these contracts ss -s s -s" as there are floors, and they are in position to conduct the current to either one of two oscillating half rings Z) and b. The one with which they are in contact depends upon the position of the contact maker which is always, when at rest, in such position that the space between the two half rings is opposite the contact representing the floor at which the car is stopped. Now if the cur rent goes into the ring I) through the contact s it will be conducted through a contact 14 to a conductor 105 through an electromagnet a and back to the negative side of the line. The armature a of the electromagnet operates to swing a gear segment a and turn a pinion a and the oscillating half rings 6 and Z), connected therewith. These half rings are mounted on a contactor c and are insulated from each other thereby. A current. will continue to flow through the magnet a and will continue to swing the would require, on

contact maker until the space between the two half rings comes opposite the contact a corresponding with the push button which has been pushed, when, of course, the current will be broken. This stops the commutator and at the same time a connection is made through a line 9, contact segment a contact point e on the contactor 2:, wire v and contact point r to a stationary conducting plate f* which forms one of a series ff-f'- -f*-f each one representing one of the floors. This plate is connected with one of a series of stop circuits, as p, which, in accordance with Fig. '1 is connected with the post M and is connected up in any desired way with the line 1, and an indicator (see Fig. 8,) to stop the car, as for example, in a manner similar to that shown in the wiringdiagram in Fig. 1. Of course, it will be understood that the direction in which the half-rings b and I) turn is governed by the two electromagnets a and a with their cores (Z and a", and that wherever the contact maker is stopped, the space between the half rings will always be opposite one of the contact points ss s -s If that button is pushed no current will flow, but if one of the other buttons is pushed, the current will flow through one of the half rings and take the contact maker in the proper direction; consequently, the start circuits represented by IV control the direction in which the contact maker and car will start, while the stop circuits represented by 79' control the stopping of the car, but not the stopping of the contact maker which is controlled by the contact maker itself. It will be seen of course that with this formv of invention some of the advantages of the construction shown in the other figures of the drawing and described above are not secured, but on the other hand, the start and stop circuits are present in both forms, and consequently, they accomplish the same results in a similar manner; that is, each device starts the machine in the correct direction and predetermines where the machine will stop; but the device shown in Fig. 10, when shifting its position, keeps that position until theinachine is again started. While in the form shown in the other figures, the contact maker always returns to the normal position and is ready to start from this position whenever any button is pushed.

It will be clear that this single device does everything that a large number of magnets and switches usually do. In other words, customarily a separate magnet is required for every automatic stop the machine is to make. For instance, a twenty floor building other machines, 20 magnets and 20 switches, where on a machine constructed according to this invention the single device with the two magnets is all that is necessary. This factnot only means that the controller is simple and reliable,but

also that the space required in some instances is not one-quarter of that required by other machines.

I am aware that push button controllers have been used heretofore for automatically controlling elevators, but they have been governed by the movement of the elevator machine. Each push button has been in circuit with a single magnet. By operating this magnet, the hoisting machine has been set in operation throu 'h the controlling apparatus, and the hoisting machine has actuated the controlling apparatus, causing it to operate in such a manner as to stop the hoisting machine. This invention differs radically from such systems in that the contact maker moves independently in response to a push button or any equivalent devices for making a circuit, which are intended to be included whenever a push button is referred to, and this movement takes place in full before the machine starts. This movement further determines the direction in which the machine shall start, and the place at which it shall stop. All of this takes place before the hoisting machine starts, and is, therefore, not actuated by the hoisting ma chine or indicator. The only function performed by the hoisting machine is that of closing a single circuit for causing it to stop and incidentally reversing the direction circuits while they are dead.

\Vhile I have illustrated the invention as embodied in two different forms, I am aware that'it may be carried out With many other changes, and that many modifications may be made in the same without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the claims. Therefore, I do not Wish to be limited to the particular forms or details of constructioi'i shown, but.

'hat I do claim is:

1. In an electromagnetic controlling system. the combination with a device to be con trolled. of circuits having connections for operating said device, push buttons in said circuits, a movable contact maker, means controlled by said circuits for shifting the position of the contact maker to a predetermined point corresponding with the push button pushed, and means controlled by said contact maker for connecting up said circuits.

2. In an electromagnetic controlling system, the combination of push buttons, circuits controlled thereby having connections for automatically controlling the operation of a machine to be controlled,amovable electric contactor, means whereby the contactor is caused to move when one'of the buttons is pushed, and meanswhereby the contactor is thereafter automatically arrested in a. predetermined position.

3. In an electromagnetic controlling system, the combination of a controlling apparatus, a hoisting machine to be controlled thereby, push buttons, and an electromagnetic device controlled by said push buttons to operate independently of said controlling apparatus for causing the hoisting machine to start in a predetermined direction and stop at a predetermined point.

4. An electromagnetic controlling system for controlling a hoisting machine having a controlling apparatus, means, operating indepemlently of the controlling apparatus, fo-rstarting a hoisting machine in operation in a predetermined direction and for 'pre-. determining where the hoisting machine shall stop, said means controlling the hoisting machine by its own independent movement.

5. In an electromagnetic controlling systom, the combination with the device to be controlled, of circuits having connections for operating said device, a. series of push buttons, means directly connected with each button whereby when one button is being pushed all others are ineffective. and means whereby the pushing of one of the push buttons establishes, controls and maintains said circuits to automatically operate said device.

6. In an electrmnagnetic controlling systcni for elevators, dumb'waiters and the like, the combination of a plurality of series of push buttons, a'series of starting circuits each adapted to be closed by one push button of each of said series, means controlled by each of said starting circuits for starting the car in a predetermined direction when one of said circuits is closed. a series of stop circuits for stopping the car at the desired floor, and means adapted to be started into operation by said starting circuits for closing one of said stop circuits.

7. In an electric controlling system, the combination of a device to be controlled. a series of circuits having connections for starting said device. means for closing any one of said circuits, a series of circuits having connections for stopping said device in a predetermined position. and a movable contact maker connected with the first named circuits and adapted to be set into motion thereby and constituting means for closing a predetermined one of said circuits having stopping connections.

8. In an electric system for controlling.

the operation of a machine, the combination of a series of circuits having connections for starting said machine. means for closing any one of said circuits, a series of circuits having connections for stopping said machine, both of said series of circuits having normally open contacts and a contact maker connected with the first named circuits and adapted to be set into motion thereby and adaptcdto close the open contacts of circuits of both of said series.

9. In an electric controlling system. the

combination of a series of push button circuits each having a series of push buttons and each having a pair of normally open contacts in series. a series of normally open circuits having connections for stopping the device to be controlled. a contact maker adapted to close said contacts to complete. the push button circuits, means whereby the pushing of a push button starts the contact maker into motion and brings it to rest in a certain position with respect to the push button circuit in which the push button that has been operated is located. and in position to close one of the circuits having stopping connections.

10. In an electric controlling system, the combination with the device to be controlled. of a push button circuit having a series of push buttons and having a pair of contacts in series. a series of normally open circuits having connections for stopping the device. a contact maker adapted to move into position to bridge said contacts to complete the push button circuit. means whereby the pushing of a push but-tonstarts the contact maker into motion and brings it. to rest in a certain position with respect to the contacts of the push button circuit. and in position to close one of the circuits having stopping connections at one point. and anindicator connected with the device to be controlled and having meansfor closing a second break in the same stopping circuit when.

the device moves to a certain predetermined position.

11. In an electric controlling system for elevators. dumb-waiters and the like, the combination of a series of push button circuits each having a series of push buttons therein and each having a pair of contacts in series..a series of normally open circuits having connections for stopping the elevator or the like. a contact maker, means whereby the pushing of a push button starts the c011- tact maker into motion and brings it to rest in a certain position with respect to the push button circuit with which that push button is located and in position to'close t-hecorresponding circuit having stopping connections whereby the car will be started in the right. direction and stopped at a predetermined floor.

12. In an electric controlling system for elevators. dumb-waiters and the like, the combination of a series of push button circuits, a series of push buttons therein. a pair of normally open contacts in series in each of said circuits, a series of normally open circuits having connections for stopping the elevator or the like, a contact maker adapted to bridge said contacts to complete a push button circuit and simultaneously to close one of the stopping circuits at one point, and an indicator connected with the device to be controlled and having means for closing another break in the same stoppin circuit when the elevator car reaches the oor corresponding to the push button which has been operated.

13. In an electric controlling system, the combination of a pair of series of contacts insulated from each other, a series of push buttons, conductors connected with the push buttons and with the contacts of one of the series, an indicator connected with the contacts of the other series, a contact maker adapted to move over said contacts and bridge them to connect one of the push button conductors with the corresponding one ofthe indicator connections. and means controlled by the push button for releasing the contact maker and permitting it to move over the contacts.

11. In an electric controlling system, the combination of a vertical pair of series of contacts insulated from each other, a series of push buttons, conductors connected with the push buttons of one series. an indicator connected to move with the machine to be controlled and connected with the contacts of the other series. a contact maker normally located at the top of said series of contacts and adapte'd to drop by the force of gravity so as to pass over said contacts and bridge them wherebyone of the push button circuits will be connected with the indicator connections. and means controlled by the push buttons for releasing the contact. maker and permitting it to drop.

15. In an electric controlling system, the combination of a pair of series of contacts .insulated'from each other, a series of push buttons. conductors connectingthe push buttons withv the contacts of one of the series,

an indicator connectedwith the contacts of the other series, a contact maker adapted to move over said contacts and bridge them to connect one of the push button conductors with the corresponding one of the indicator connections, means controlled by the push buttons for releasing the contact maker and permitting it to move over the contacts, and stop circuits having contacts normally open and locat'ed'in position to be closed by said contact'maker when it moves over the first named contacts.

16. In an electric controlling system, the combination of a pair of series of contacts adapted to complete circuits when bridged l a contactor, a third series of contacts, a contacting plate located opposite the third series of contacts, a contact maker adapted to drop-by gravity over the said contacting plate to connect it with one of the third series of contacts, electromagnetic means for normally holding said contact maker at the top of the series of contacts and out of connection with them, and a series of push buttons having connections whereby the. ushmg of any one of the buttons will roak two circuits for feedin contacts and complete a circuit, an electro magnet for normally holding the contact maker out of engagement with said contacts when the current is flowing, and means for I breaking the circuit supplying current to the .electrom'agnet and at the same time making a circuit to one of the -pairs of contacts.

18 In an electric controlling system, the combination ofan electromagnet, a contact maker adapted todrop by the force of gravity and to be raised by said electromagnet, said electromagnet, one normally open an the other normally closed, means for opening the closed circuit of the magnet'to deenergize the magnet, said contact maker also opening the normally closed circuit as it drops, and means controlled by the position of the contact maker for opening and closing a contact in series with the normally open cont'act in the normally open circuit.

19. In an electric controlling system, the combination of an electromagnet and a contact maker controlled thereby, two circuits for feeding said electromagnets, one having a normally open contact and a normally closed contact and the othernormally closed, means for opening the closed cir'cuitto deenergize the magnet, and means controlled by. the contact maker for closing one of the contacts in the. other circuit.

20. In an electric controlling system, the

combination of an electromagnet and a contact maker controlled thereby, two circuits for feeding said electromagnet, one having a normally open contact and a normally closed contact and the other normally closed, means for opening the closed circuit 'to deenergize the magnet, means controlled by the contact maker for closing one of the contacts in the other circuit whereby the normally open circuit will be in condition to be closed toreenergize the magnet, and means for closing the other contact of the normally open circuit.

' 21. In an electric controlling system, the combination of an electromagnet, a contact maker adapted to be operated thereby, a circuit connected with the magnet for energizing it having a resistance therein, and a second plarallel circuit for energizing the magnet avlng a plurality of contacts, one

of said contacts being located near the magnet, and means movable with the contact maker for holding openthe last named contact when the magnet is energized by the other circuit, whereby a weaker current is used to keep the contact maker in a certain position than to operate the contact maker.

stricting said point.

22. In a contact maker, the combination of a'movable cross-head, a series of contacts over which the cross'head is adapted to move, an electromagnet, and an electromagnetic clutch connected in series with said electromagnet for stopping the cross-head at an intermediate point of its traverse.

23. In a contact maker, the combination of a. movable cross-head, contacts which said crosshead is adapted to close, an electromagnet. and an electromagnetic clutch for stopping the cross-head .at an intermediate point of its traverse, said clutch being connected in series with said electromagnet.

24. A contact maker for an electric controlling system, comprising a movable crosshead, an electr'omagnet for normally holding it in inoperative position, a stem connected with the cross-headand having an air passage therein, a chamber in said stem at the end of said passage and a ball valve in said chamber seating by gravity at the end of the passage.

25. A contact maker for an electric controlling system. comprising a vertically reciprocable cross-head, an'electromagn'et for normally holding it in inoperative position, a stem connected with the cross-head and having an air passage therein, means for reassage to cushion the crosshead when it c rops, and means for preventing a sudden jar when the cross-head ascends.

27. Ina contact maker, the combination of a reciproc'able cross-head, a series of contacts over which the cross-head is adapted to-move, an electromagnet, and an electromagnetic clutch for stopping the cross-head at an intermediate point of its traverse.

28. The combination of a movable crosshead, a series of contacts which the cross- ,head is adapted to close when moving over them, .means forholding the cross-head in inoperative position, means for releasing the cross-head and allowing it to move along the contacts, and-a clutch adapted to stop the cross-head at a predetermined point in its ath. p 29. The combination of a cross-head, a series of cont-acts which the cross-head is adapted to close when dropping over them, means for holding the cross-head in raised position, means for releasing the cross-head and allowing it. to. drop along the contacts, a clutch adapted to stop the cross-head at a predetermined point, and electromagnetic means'for operating said clutch.

30. The combination of a cross-head, a

series of contacts which the cross-head is adapted to close when dropping over them, means for holding the cross-head in raised position, means for releasing'the cross-head and allowing it to drop along the contacts, a clutch adapted to stop the cross-head at a predetermined point, electromagnetic means for operating said clutch, a series of push buttons, and connections whereby when any or the push buttons are operated the electromagnetic means will be set into operation as soon as the cross-head drops to the contact corresponding with the push button operated.

31. In an electric controlling system, the combination of a reciprocable cross-head, an electromao'uet for moving it in one direction, a magnetic clutch, and an arm connecting the magnetic clutch with the cross-head whereby the energizing of the clutch will stop the cross head during its motion.

32. The combination withacross-head adapted to move over a series of contacts, of an electromagnet, a shaft passing through the magnet, a metallic plate on the shaft adapted to move out and in therewith but to turn independently thereof, and an arm on the plate connected with said cross-head.

33. The combination with a cross-head adapted to close a contact, of an electromagnet, a shaft passing therethrough, a casing for the magnet, a metallic plate rotatable on this shaft but movable longitudinally therewith, whereby the excitation of the magnet will pull the plate against the easing and hold it against rotation, and an arm on the plate connected with said cross-head.

34. In an electric controlling system, the combination of a pair of series of contacts arranged in vertical alinement and insulated from each other, a series of push buttons, conductors connecting the push buttons with the contacts of one series, means connected with the contacts of the other series. for completing the push button circuits, a contact maker adapted to drop over said contacts and bridge them, means controlled by the push buttons for releasing the contact maker and permitting it to drop, and means for stopping the contact maker in a predetermined position controlled by the push but tons, said lastnamed means comprising an electromagnetic clutch.

35. In an electric controlling system, the combination of a pair of series of contacts located in vertical position and insulated from each other, a series of push buttons, conductors connecting .the push buttons with the contacts of one series, means connected with the contacts of the other series for completing the push button circuits, a contact maker adapted to drop over said contacts and bridge them, means controlled by the push buttons for releasing the contact maker and permitting it to drop, said means comprising an electromagnet for holding the contact maker in inactive. position, and electric connections to the electromagnet.

36. In an electric controlling system, the combination of a pair of series of contacts insulated from each other, a series of pushbuttons, conductors connecting the push buttons with the contacts of one series, means connected with the contacts of the other series for completing the push button circuits, a contact maker adapted to move over said contacts and bridge them, means controlled by the push buttons for releasing the contact maker and permitting it to move, said means comprising an electromagnet for holding the contact maker in inactive position, and electric connections to the electromagnet having therein a series of circuit breakers operated by the push buttons.

37. In an electric controlling system, the combination of a contact maker adapted to operate by gravity, an electromagnet for holding it up in inactive position, a series of push buttons for controlling the operation of the contact maker, and a circuit breaker operated by the push buttons for breaking the circuit of the electromagnet.

38. In an electric controlling system, the combination of a vmovable contact maker,

an electromagnet for holding it in inactive position, a series of push buttons connected with the contact maker, a circuit connected with the electromagnet, and a circuit breaker operated by the push buttons for breaking the said circuit and setting the contact maker free.

39. In an electric controlling system, the combination of an electromagnet, a circuit for feeding the same, a series of circuit breakers in said circuit, a push button, and means whereby the operation of the push button will open one of the circuit breakers to denergize the magnet.

40. The combination of a plurality of circuit breakers connected in series with each other, a plurality of series of push buttons, and means whereby the operation of any one of the push buttons will operate one of the circuit breakers to open the circuit in which they are located.

41. The combination with a circuit breaker, of a plurality of push buttons, and means connected with each of the push buttons for opening the circuit breaker when the push buttons are operated.

42. The combination with a push button adapted to close a circuit, of a movable rod located in position to moved when the push button is operated to close its circuit, and a circuit breaker adapted to be opened by the movement of said rod.

43. The combination of a pair of pivoted brackets, a rod supported by said brackets.

a circuit breaker comprising a stationary my hand. in the presence of two subscribing terminal and a terminal mounted to move Witnesses.

with said rod, and a push button having a j 7 pivoteci lever adapted to engage said rod to 1 ARD DUNN 5 move it to open the contact of the circuit Witnesses:

ALBERT E. FAY,

breaker when the push button is pushed. i

i C. FORREST WVESSON.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

